Structure manufacturing method and intermediate structure

ABSTRACT

A structure manufacturing method including: preparing a treatment object that includes an etching target having a surface to be etched comprising a conductive group III nitride and a region to be etched, a conductive member in contact with at least a portion of a surface of a conductive region of the etching target that is electrically connected to the region to be etched, and a mask formed on the surface to be etched and comprising a non-conductive material; and etching the group III nitride by immersing the treatment object in an alkaline or acidic etching solution containing peroxodisulfate ions as an oxidizing agent that accepts electrons, and irradiating the surface to be etched with light through the etching solution, wherein an edge that defines the region to be etched is constituted by an edge of the mask without including an edge of the conductive member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 37 U.S.C. § 371 toInternational Patent Application No. PCT/JP2020/011151, filed Mar. 13,2020, which claims priority to and the benefit of Japanese PatentApplication Nos. 2019-086052, filed on Apr. 26, 2019, and 2019-113773,filed on Jun. 19, 2019. The contents of these applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a structure manufacturing method and anintermediate structure.

BACKGROUND ART

Group III nitrides such as gallium nitride (GaN) are used as materialsfor manufacturing semiconductor devices such as light emitting devicesand transistors.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) etching has been proposed as an etchingtechnique for forming various structures on group III nitrides such asGaN (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). The PEC etching is wetetching with less damage than general dry etching, and is preferablebecause an apparatus is simple, compared to special dry etching withless damage such as neutral particle beam etching (see, for example,Non-Patent Document 2) and atomic layer etching (see, for example,Non-Patent Document 3).

CITATION LIST Non-Patent Documents

-   Non-Patent Document 1: J. Murata et at, “Photo-electrochemical    etching of free-standing GaN wafer surfaces grown by hydride vapor    phase epitaxy”, Electrochimica Acta 171 (2015) 89-95-   Non-Patent Document 2: S. Samukawa, JJAP, 45 (2006) 2395.-   Non-Patent Document 3: T. Faraz, ECS J. Solid Stat. Scie. &    Technol., 4, N5023 (2015).

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique forfavorably advancing PEC etching of group III nitrides.

Solution to Problem

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided astructure manufacturing method, including:

preparing a treatment object that includes an etching target having asurface to be etched comprising a conductive group III nitride and aregion to be etched located on the surface to be etched, a conductivemember that is provided so as to be in contact with at least a portionof a surface of a conductive region of the etching target that iselectrically connected to the region to be etched, and a mask formed onthe surface to be etched and comprising a non-conductive material; and

etching the group III nitride that constitutes the region to be etchedby immersing the treatment object in an alkaline or acidic etchingsolution containing peroxodisulfate ions as an oxidizing agent thataccepts electrons, and irradiating the surface to be etched with lightthrough the etching solution in a state where the region to be etchedand the conductive member are in contact with the etching solution,

wherein an edge that defines the region to be etched is constituted byan edge of the mask without including an edge of the conductive member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is providedan intermediate structure, including:

an etching target having a surface to be etched comprising a conductivegroup III nitride and a region to be etched located on the surface to beetched;

a conductive member that is provided so as to be in contact with atleast a portion of a surface of a conductive region of the etchingtarget that is electrically connected to the region to be etched; and

a mask formed on the surface to be etched and comprising anon-conductive material,

wherein the intermediate structure is immersed in an alkaline or acidicetching solution containing peroxodisulfate ions as an oxidizing agentthat accepts electrons, in a state where the region to be etched is incontact with the conductive member, and

an edge that defines the region to be etched is constituted by an edgeof the mask without including an edge of the conductive member.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

There is provided a technique for favorably advancing PEC etching ofgroup III nitrides.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a treatmentobject according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG.1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of anetching target according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1(c) is aschematic view of a PEC etching apparatus illustrating a PEC etchingstep according to the first embodiment.

FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c) are schematic cross-sectional views showing a firstexample of a method for forming a cathode pad.

FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c) are schematic cross-sectional views showing a secondexample of a method for forming a cathode pad.

FIGS. 4(a) to 4(f) are photographs showing first to sixth treatmentobjects of experimental examples according to PEC etching in the firstembodiment.

FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are graphs illustrating results of PEC etching inexperimental examples.

FIG. 6(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a structureaccording to a second embodiment, and FIG. 6(b) is a schematiccross-sectional view showing an example of an etching target accordingto the second embodiment.

FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are respectively a schematic cross-sectional viewand a schematic plan view illustrating a treatment object according tothe second embodiment, and FIG. 7(c) is a schematic view of a PECetching apparatus illustrating a PEC etching step according to thesecond embodiment.

FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are schematic plan views of a treatment objectillustrating an example in which a cathode pad is disposed along anouter periphery of an etching target.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view conceptually illustrating amode in which a cathode pad is provided on an etching target having aconductive substrate.

FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d) are schematic cross-sectional views showing atreatment object in a preliminary experiment.

FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating a result of PEC etching in a preliminaryexperiment.

FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) are respectively a schematic cross-sectional viewand a plan view illustrating a mode in which a cathode pad is disposedsuch that an edge of the cathode pad serves as an edge of a mask thatdefines a region to be etched.

FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) are respectively a schematic cross-sectional viewand a plan view illustrating a mode in which a non-conductive mask and acathode pad are disposed such that an edge of the non-conductive maskserves as an edge of a mask that defines a region to be etched.

FIG. 14 is a photograph illustrating a result of PEC etching in which aTi mask is used.

FIG. 15(a) is a photograph showing a treatment object provided with anon-conductive mask and a cathode pad, and FIGS. 15(b) and 15(c) areenlarged photographs of a portion of a region indicated by an upperright circle of FIG. 15(a).

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

A structure manufacturing method according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention will be described. This manufacturing method includesan etching step using photoelectrochemical (PEC) etching applied to anetching target 10 (hereinafter, also referred to as a wafer 10), whichis a material of the structure (hereinafter, also referred to as PECetching step). PEC etching is also simply referred to as etching.

The wafer 10 includes a substrate 11 and a group III nitride layer 12(also referred to as “epitaxial layer 12” hereinafter) formed on thesubstrate 11 (see FIG. 1(a)). An upper surface of the epitaxial layer 12constitutes a surface 20 to be etched. The surface 20 to be etchedcomprises a conductive group III nitride. A region 21 to be etched islocated on the surface 20 to be etched.

An object to be PEC-etched, that is, an object to be immersed(contacted) in an etching solution 201 is referred to as a treatmentobject 100. The treatment object 100 can be regarded as an intermediatestage structure (intermediate structure) for obtaining a finalstructure. The treatment object 100 may have at least the wafer 10 andmay further have, for example, a mask 50 serving as a member requiredfor a PEC etching process. The mask 50 is formed in a pattern in whichthe region 21 to be etched is open on the surface 20 to be etched of thewafer 10. That is, the mask 50 is disposed at a position where itdefines the region 21 to be etched.

Before the structure manufacturing method according to this embodimentis described in detail, first, an experiment performed for preliminaryexamination (also referred to as “preliminary experiment” hereinafter)will be described. In the preliminary experiment, how the progression ofPEC etching changes was examined by changing the structure, arrangement,and the like of the treatment object 100. The PEC etching step (see FIG.1(c)) and the mechanism of PEC etching (see (Chemical Formula 1) to(Chemical Formula 7)) will be described in detail.

FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d) are schematic cross-sectional views showing thetreatment object 100 in a preliminary experiment. In the preliminaryexperiment, PEC etching was performed in a state where the treatmentobject 100 is immersed in the etching solution 201 stored in thecontainer 210.

An acidic mixture in which a 0.1 M phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) aqueoussolution and a 0.05 M K₂S₂O₈ aqueous solution were mixed in a ratio of1:1 was used as the etching solution 201. The surface 20 to be etchedwas irradiated with the UV light 221 through the etching solution 201.The irradiation wavelength of the UV light 221 was 260 nm, and theirradiation intensity (I) of the UV light 221 was 4 mW/cm². Distance L(d_(electrolyte)) from the surface 20 to be etched to the upper surface202 of the etching solution 201 was 5 mm. The mask 50 was made of asilicon oxide (SiO₂), which is a non-conductive material.

FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d) respectively show the states of the first to fourthpreliminary experiments. In the first, second, and fourth preliminaryexperiments, an n-type conductive gallium nitride (GaN) substrate wasused as the substrate 11 of the wafer 10. In the third preliminaryexperiment, a semi-insulating sapphire substrate was used as thesubstrate 11 of the wafer 10. Here, “conductive” refers to a state wherespecific electrical resistance is less than 10⁵ Ωcm, and“semi-insulating” refers to a state where specific electrical resistanceis 10⁵ Ωcm or more, for example. In all of the first to fourthpreliminary experiments, an n-type conductive GaN layer was grown on thesubstrate 11 as the epitaxial layer 12.

On the surface 20 to be etched that is the upper surface of theepitaxial layer 12, the region 21 to be etched is defined as a portionexposed to the etching solution 201. As will be described later, it isconceivable that the region 21 to be etched functions as an anode in PECetching.

It is conceivable that, as will be described later, on the surface ofthe conductive region of the treatment object 100 that is electricallyconnected to the region 21 to be etched, a portion exposed to theetching solution 201 can function as a cathode in PEC etching. Theregion that can function as the cathode in PEC etching is referred to asa cathode region 40 hereinafter. The cathode region 40 is indicated by athick line in FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d). Note that indication of the cathoderegion 40 using the thick line is the same as in FIGS. 1(a) and 9, whichwill be described later.

See FIG. 10(a). In the first preliminary experiment, the treatmentobject 100 is disposed on support members (spacers) 240 in a mode inwhich the bottom surface of the conductive GaN substrate 11 is exposedto the etching solution 201. In the first preliminary experiment, thecathode region 40 is constituted by side surfaces of the substrate 11and the epitaxial layer 12, and the bottom surface of the substrate 11.

See FIG. 10(b). In the second preliminary experiment, the treatmentobject 100 is disposed on the bottom surface of the container 210 in amode in which the bottom surface of the conductive GaN substrate 11 isnot exposed to the etching solution 201. In the second preliminaryexperiment, the cathode region 40 is constituted by the side surfaces ofthe substrate 11 and the epitaxial layer 12.

See FIG. 10(c). In the third preliminary experiment, similarly to thesecond preliminary experiment, the treatment object 100 is disposed onthe bottom surface of the container 210. In the third preliminaryexperiment, the semi-insulating sapphire substrate 11 is used, and thusthe surface of the substrate 11 does not serve as the cathode region 40even if it is exposed to the etching solution 201, and only the sidesurfaces of the epitaxial layer 12 constitute the cathode region 40.

See FIG. 10(d). In the fourth preliminary experiment, similarly to thesecond preliminary experiment, the treatment object 100 is disposed onthe bottom surface of the container 210. The treatment object 100 in thefourth preliminary experiment has a resist coat 60 in addition to thewafer 10 and the mask 50. The resist coat 60 is formed so as to coverthe side surfaces of the wafer 10, that is, the side surfaces of thesubstrate 11 and the epitaxial layer 12, and the bottom surface of thewafer 10, that is, the bottom surface of the substrate 11. Note that, ifthe alkaline etching solution 201 is used, the resist coat 60 will peelaway, and thus the acidic etching solution 201 is used in thispreliminary experiment.

Similarly to the first and second preliminary experiments, theconductive GaN substrate 11 is used in the fourth preliminaryexperiment. However, because the resist coat 60 is formed, the sidesurfaces of the substrate 11 and the epitaxial layer 12, and the bottomsurface of the substrate 11 are not exposed to the etching solution 201.Thus, the cathode region 40 is not present in the fourth preliminaryexperiment.

In the first, second, and fourth preliminary experiments, a 6 mm-squareGaN substrate 11 having a thickness of 0.4 mm was used, and a GaN layer(n-GaN) having a thickness of 10 μm and an n-type impurity concentrationof 1×10¹⁶/cm³ was formed as the epitaxial layer 12 on the GaN substrate11. The areas of the cathode regions 40 in the first, second, and fourthpreliminary experiments were respectively 0.456 cm², 0.096 cm², and 0cm². Note that here the epitaxial layer 12 is far thinner than the GaNsubstrate 11, and thus the area of the cathode region 40 realized by theside surfaces of the epitaxial layer 12 is approximately set to 0. Inthe third preliminary experiment, a 6 mm-square sapphire substrate 11having a thickness of 0.4 mm was used, and a laminate of a GaN layer(un-GaN) to which no impurities are added and that has a thickness of 3μm and a GaN layer (n-GaN) that has an n-type impurity concentration of1.2×10¹⁶/cm³ and a thickness of 2 μm was formed as the epitaxial layer12 on the sapphire substrate 11 (this structure is the same as thatshown in FIG. 1(b), which will be described later). The area of thecathode region 40 in the third preliminary experiment is 0.00048 cm²(the area of the side surfaces of the n-GaN, which is a conductiveportion of the epitaxial layer 12).

The sulfate ion radicals (SO₄ ⁻*radicals) can be generated byirradiating the surface 20 to be etched with the UV light 221 throughthe etching solution 201. It is considered that SO₄ ⁻*radicals arepresent in the etching solution 201 from the surface 20 to be etcheddownward to some extent. It is conceivable that in the cathode region 40(the region that can function as a cathode in PEC etching), a regionwhere SO₄ ⁻*radicals are present effectively functions as a cathode (aneffective cathode region).

It is conceivable that the side surfaces of the epitaxial layer 12 andthe side surfaces of the substrate 11 are effective cathode regions inthe first and second preliminary experiments. It is conceivable that theside surfaces of the epitaxial layer 12 are effective cathode regions inthe third preliminary experiment. However, it is considered that the SO₄⁻*radicals are present in an outer peripheral portion of the bottomsurface of the substrate 11 without reaching the vicinity of the centerof the bottom surface of the substrate 11 in the first preliminaryexperiment. That is, it is considered that the effective cathode regionof the bottom surface of the substrate 11 is the outer peripheralportion of the bottom surface of the substrate 11 in the firstpreliminary experiment. Based on the results shown in FIG. 11 below, itis conceivable that the outer peripheral portion, which has a width ofabout 0.4 mm, of the bottom surface of the substrate 11 is an effectivecathode region in the first preliminary experiment. It is estimated thatthe area of the effective cathode region is 0.192 cm² in the firstpreliminary experiment. In the second to fourth preliminary experiments,the areas of the effective cathode regions are respectively equal to theareas of the above-described cathode regions 40, and are respectively0.096 cm², 0.00048 cm², and 0 cm².

FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating a result of PEC etching in a preliminaryexperiment. The horizontal axis indicates the area of the effectivecathode region (Cathode area), and the vertical axis indicates theetching rate. The result of the first preliminary experiment isindicated by “with spacer”, the result of the second preliminaryexperiment is indicated by “w/o spacer”, the result of the thirdpreliminary experiment is indicated by “on SAP”, and the result of thefourth preliminary experiment is indicated by “Side & back resist coat”.

Based on these results, it can be seen that the larger the area of theeffective cathode region is, the higher the etching rate is.Furthermore, based on this, it is conceivable that, in order tofavorably advance PEC etching of the region 21 to be etched, which is ananode, it is preferable to increase the area of the effective cathoderegion in order to improve the electrical balance, and thus, to providea large cathode region 40, which is a region that can function as acathode.

By using the conductive substrate 11 in the first and second preliminaryexperiments, a large cathode region 40 can be provided utilizing theside surfaces or the bottom surface of the substrate 11, and thus theetching rate can be easily increased. In contrast, as a result of usingthe semi-insulating substrate 11 in the third preliminary experiment,the cathode region 40 is constituted by a narrow region formed only ofthe side surfaces of the epitaxial layer 12, and thus it is difficult toincrease the etching rate. As can be seen from FIG. 11, similarly to thefourth preliminary experiment in which no cathode region 40 is present,there is minimal progress in the etching in the third preliminaryexperiment.

Note that even when the semi-insulating substrate 11 is used, if themask 50 is made of a conductive material, the surface of the mask 50functions as the cathode region 40. This is because the mask 50 iselectrically connected to the region 21 to be etched. In such a case, itis possible to further increase the etching rate than in a case wherethe mask 50 is made of a non-conductive material.

There are cases where the wafer 10 on which the epitaxial layer 12 isgrown on the semi-insulating substrate 11, which is a sapphiresubstrate, a silicon carbide (SiC) substrate, or a semi-insulating GaNsubstrate, for example, needs to be used as a material for manufacturinga semiconductor device in which a group III nitride is used.Furthermore, in such a case, the mask 50 may need to be made of anon-conductive material such as a resist or silicon oxide.

As can be seen from the result of the third preliminary experiment, whenthe semi-insulating substrate 11 is used and the mask 50 is made of anon-conductive material, it is difficult to favorably advance PECetching. The inventors of this application propose a technique withwhich PEC etching can be favorably achieved even in such a case.

Details of the structure manufacturing method according to the firstembodiment will be described below. FIG. 1(a) is a schematiccross-sectional view showing the treatment object 100 according to thefirst embodiment. First, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the treatment object 100is prepared. The treatment object 100 according to this embodiment hasthe cathode pad (conductive member) 30 in addition to the wafer 10 andthe mask 50.

In this embodiment, a semi-insulating substrate, which is a sapphiresubstrate, a SiC substrate, or a (semi-insulating) GaN substrate, forexample, is used as the substrate 11. The mask 50 is made of anon-conductive material such as a resist or silicon oxide, for example.The shape, size, etching depth, etc. of the region 21 to be etched maybe selected as appropriate and as needed. The mask 50 is disposed at aposition where it defines the region 21 to be etched (the edge definingthe region 21 to be etched is configured to include the edge of the mask50).

A cathode pad 30 is a conductive member made of a conductive material.The cathode pad 30 is provided so as to be in contact with at least aportion of the surface of the conductive region of the wafer 10 that iselectrically connected to the region 21 to be etched. The cathode pad 30shown in FIG. 1(a) as an example is disposed on the surface 20 to beetched in a region enclosed by the mask 50 in a plan view, preferably ina state where the cathode pad 30 is in contact with the mask 50 (in astate where the surface 20 to be etched is not exposed from a gapbetween the mask 50 and the cathode pad 30). The cathode pad 30 is notdisposed at a position where it defines the region 21 to be etched.

The wording “the cathode pad 30 is not disposed at a position where itdefines the region 21 to be etched” refers to at least a portion of thecathode pad 30 being “not disposed at a position where it defines theregion 21 to be etched”, that is, the wording means that the cathode pad30 has a portion that does not function as a mask defining the region 21to be etched (only the cathode pad 30 is not defined as the mask in theregion 21 to be etched, and the edge defining the region 21 to be etchedis not constituted by the edge of the cathode pad 30 alone). Note thatthe arrangement mode of the cathode pad 30 may be adjusted asappropriate and as needed. The cathode pad 30 may be disposed in aregion that is not enclosed by the mask 50 in a plan view, for example.The edge of the cathode pad 30 may include a portion included in theedge defining the region 21 to be etched, and may have a portion that isnot included in the edge defining the region 21 to be etched.

A material that has a low Schottky barrier height with respect to thesurface 20 to be etched and is resistant to the etching solution 201(resistant against an alkali or acid) is preferably used as the materialof the cathode pad 30. Specifically, metal such as titanium (Ti) ispreferably used, for example. In addition to Ti, Ti/Au in which gold(Au) is laminated on Ti, nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), a single layer ofAu, or the like can also be used, for example.

When the treatment object 100 is immersed in the etching solution 201,the upper surface of the cathode pad 30 is exposed to the etchingsolution 201. Therefore, the upper surface of the cathode pad 30functions as the cathode region 40. In this embodiment, in addition tothe side surfaces of the epitaxial layer 12, the upper surface of thecathode pad 30 also functions as the cathode region 40 in this manner.

As a result of providing the cathode pad 30, the cathode region 40 islarger in this embodiment than in a case where the cathode pad 30 is notprovided. Accordingly, it is possible to favorably advance PEC etching,compared to the case where the cathode pad 30 is not provided.

With the cathode pad 30 in this embodiment, the upper surface of thecathode pad 30 can be utilized as the cathode region 40, and thus alarge cathode region 40 can be easily provided. Also, because thecathode pad 30 is provided on the surface 20 to be etched, SO₄ ⁻*radicals generated by irradiating the surface 20 to be etched with theUV light 221 can be more reliably present in the vicinity of the uppersurface of the cathode pad 30. Accordingly, the upper surface of thecathode pad 30 can be easily utilized as an effective cathode region.

FIG. 1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one example (whichis used in an experimental example, which will be described later) ofthe structure of the wafer 10. The substrate 11 is a sapphire substrate.The epitaxial layer 12 is constituted by a laminate of the GaN layer(un-GaN) to which no impurities are added and that has a thickness of 3μm and a GaN layer (n-GaN) to which n-type impurities are added and thathas a carrier concentration (net donor concentration) of 1.2×10¹⁶/cm³and has a thickness of 2 μm.

FIG. 1 (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a PEC etchingapparatus 200 illustrating the PEC etching step. The PEC etchingapparatus 200 includes a container 210 for storing the etching solution201 and a light source 220 for emitting ultraviolet (UV) light 221.

In the PEC etching step, the group III nitride constituting the region21 to be etched is etched by irradiating the surface 20 to be etchedwith UV light 221 through the etching solution 201 in a state where thetreatment object 100 is immersed in the etching solution 201 and theregion 21 to be etched and the cathode pad 30 are in contact with theetching solution 201. Details of the etching solution 201, the UV light221, and a mechanism of the PEC etching will be described later.

Note that if necessary, the structure manufacturing method may includesteps such as electrode formation and protective film formation as othersteps.

Next, a method for forming the cathode pad 30 will be described as anexample. FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c) are schematic cross-sectional views showinga first example of the method for forming the cathode pad 30. In thefirst example, the cathode pad 30 is formed before the mask 50 isformed. An example of the material of the mask 50 is a resist.

First, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the cathode pad 30 is formed on thesurface 20 to be etched of the wafer 10 using Ti, for example, and alift-off process or the like. Next, as shown in FIG. 2(b), a resist film51 is formed on the entire surface 20 to be etched so as to cover thecathode pad 30. Then, as shown in FIG. 2(c), the mask 50 is formed bymaking a pattern in the resist film 51. The mask 50 has an opening wherethe region 21 to be etched is exposed, and has an opening where theupper surface of the cathode pad 30 is exposed.

FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c) are schematic cross-sectional views showing a secondexample of the method for forming the cathode pad 30. In the secondexample, the cathode pad 30 is formed after the mask 50 is formed. Anexample of the material of the mask 50 is a silicon oxide.

First, as shown in FIG. 3(a), after a silicon oxide film is formed onthe entire surface 20 to be etched of the wafer 10, the mask 50 isformed by making a pattern in this silicon oxide film throughphotolithography and etching. The mask 50 has an opening where theregion 21 to be etched is exposed, and has an opening in the region inwhich the cathode pad 30 is to be formed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3(b), a resist pattern 70 for a lift-off processis formed so as to cover the region 21 to be etched and to expose theregion in which the cathode pad 30 is to be formed. A Ti film 31 isformed on the entire surface 20 to be etched.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the cathode pad 30 is formed (remains) inthe region where the cathode pad 30 is to be formed, through a lift-offprocess, that is, by removing an unnecessary portion from the Ti film 31together with the resist pattern 70.

If, for example, the mask 50 is formed using a silicon oxide,hydrofluoric acid is preferably used to perform etching when forming themask 50. When the mask 50 is formed after the cathode pad 30 has beenformed, there is a concern that the cathode pad 30 may also be etched bythe hydrofluoric acid. Such unnecessary etching of the cathode pad 30can be avoided by forming the cathode pad 30 after the mask 50 has beenformed as in the second example.

Next, details of the etching solution 201, the UV light 221, and themechanism of the PEC etching will be described. GaN is exemplified asthe group III nitride to be etched.

The alkaline or acidic etching solution 201 containing oxygen used forgenerating an oxide of a group III element contained in the group IIInitride constituting the region 21 to be etched, and further containingan oxidizing agent that accepts electrons, is used as the etchingsolution 201. Peroxodisulfate ions (S₂O₈ ²⁻) are exemplified as theoxidizing agent.

First examples of the etching solution 201 include a mixture of anaqueous solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and an aqueous solution ofpotassium persulfate (K₂S₂O₈), the mixture being alkaline when etchingis started. Such an etching solution 201 is prepared, for example, bymixing a 0.01 M KOH aqueous solution and a 0.05 M K₂S₂O₈ aqueoussolution in a ratio of 1:1. The concentration of the KOH aqueoussolution, the concentration of the K₂S₂O₈ aqueous solution, and themixing ratio of these aqueous solutions may be adjusted as appropriateand as needed. Note that, by reducing the concentration of the KOHaqueous solution, for example, the etching solution 201 in which the KOHaqueous solution and the K₂S₂O₈ aqueous solution are mixed together canalso be acidic when etching is started.

The PEC etching mechanism at the time of using the etching solution 201of the first example will be described. Holes and electrons aregenerated as a pair in the GaN constituting the region 21 to be etched,by irradiating the surface 20 to be etched with UV light 221 having awavelength of 365 nm or less. Gallium oxide (Ga₂O₃) is generated bydecomposing the GaN into Ga³⁺ and N₂ using the generated holes (Chemicalformula 1) and further by oxidizing Ga³⁺ using hydroxide ions (OH⁻)(Chemical Formula 2). Then, the generated Ga₂O₃ is dissolved in analkali or an acid. PEC etching of GaN is performed in this way. Notethat the generated holes react with water and the water is decomposed togenerate oxygen (Chemical Formula 3).GaN(s)+3h ⁺→Ga³⁺+½N₂(g)⬆  [Chemical Formula 1]Ga³⁺+3OH⁻→½Ga₂O₃(s)+ 3/2H₂O(l)  [Chemical Formula 2]H₂O(l)+2h ⁺→½O₂(g)⬆+2H⁺  [Chemical Formula 3]

Further, peroxodisulfate ion (S₂O₈ ²⁻) is generated by dissolving K₂S₂O₈in water (Chemical Formula 4), and sulfate ion radicals (SO₄ ⁻*radicals) are generated by irradiating S₂O₈ ²⁻ with UV light 221(Chemical Formula 5). The electrons generated in pairs with holes reactwith water together with SO₄ ⁻* radicals, and the water is decomposed togenerate hydrogen (Chemical Formula 6). As described above, in the PECetching of the present embodiment, by using SO₄ ⁻* radicals, theelectrons generated in pairs with holes can be consumed in GaN, andtherefore PEC etching can be favorably advanced. Note that, as indicatedby (Chemical Formula 6), as the PEC etching progresses, the acidity ofthe etching solution 201 increases (pH decreases) due to an increase inthe number of sulfate ions (SO₄ ²⁻).K₂S₂O₈→2K⁺+S₂O₈ ²⁻  [Chemical Formula 4]S₂O₈ ²⁻+heat or hv→2SO₄ ⁻*  [Chemical Formula 5]2SO₄ ⁻*+2e ⁻+2H₂O(l)→2SO₄ ²⁻+2HO*+H₂(g)⬆  [Chemical Formula 6]

Second examples of the etching solution 201 include a mixture of aphosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) aqueous solution and a potassium persulfate(K₂S₂O₈) aqueous solution, the mixture being acidic when etching isstarted. Such an etching solution 201 is prepared, for example, bymixing a 0.01 M H₃PO₄ aqueous solution and a 0.05 M K₂S₂O₈ aqueoussolution in a ratio of 1:1. The concentration of the H₃PO₄ aqueoussolution, the concentration of the K₂S₂O₈ aqueous solution, and themixing ratio of these aqueous solutions may be adjusted as appropriateand as needed. Because the H₃PO₄ aqueous solution and the K₂S₂O₈ aqueoussolution are acidic, the etching solution 201 in which the H₃PO₄ aqueoussolution and the K₂S₂O₈ aqueous solution are mixed is acidic at anarbitrary mixing ratio. It is preferable that the etching solution 201is acidic from the viewpoint of facilitating the use of the resist maskas the mask 50, for example.

Regarding the PEC etching mechanism in the case of using the etchingsolution 201 of the second example, it is considered that (ChemicalFormula 1) to (Chemical Formula 3) described in the case of using theetching solution 201 of the first example are replaced with (ChemicalFormula 7). That is, Ga₂O₃, hydrogen ions (H⁺), and N₂ are generatedthrough the reaction of GaN, holes generated through irradiation with UVlight 221 and water (Chemical Formula 7). Then, the generated Ga₂O₃ isdissolved in acid. PEC etching of GaN is performed in this way. Notethat the mechanism in which the electrons generated in pairs with holesare consumed by S₂O₈ ²⁻ as shown in (Chemical Formula 4) to (ChemicalFormula 6) is the same as in the case of using the etching solution 201of the first example.Ga N(s)+3h ⁺+3/2H₂O(l)→½Ga₂O₃(s)+3H₊₊½N₂(g)⬆  [Chemical Formula 7]

As can be seen from (Chemical Formula 1) and (Chemical Formula 2), or(Chemical Formula 7), it is conceivable that the region 21 to be etchedwhere GaN is PEC-etched functions as an anode where holes are consumed.Also, as can be seen from (Chemical Formula 6), it is conceivable that,on the surface of the conductive region of the treatment object 100 thatis electrically connected to the region 21 to be etched, a portionexposed to the etching solution 201 functions as a cathode whereelectrons are consumed (emitted).

As shown in (Chemical Formula 5), at least one of irradiation with UVlight 221 and heating can be used as a method for generating SO₄ ⁻*radicals from S₂O₈ ²⁻. When using irradiation with UV light 221, inorder to increase the light absorption by S₂O₈ ²⁻ and efficientlygenerate SO₄ ⁻* radicals, the wavelength of the UV light 221 ispreferably 200 nm or more and less than 310 nm. That is, from aviewpoint of efficiently producing holes in the group III nitride in thewafer 10 and generating SO₄ ⁻* radicals from S₂O₈ ²⁻ in the etchingsolution 201 through irradiation with UV light 221, the wavelength ofthe UV light 221 is preferably 200 nm or more and less than 310 nm. Whenthe generation of SO₄ ⁻* radicals from S₂O₄ ⁻* is carried out byheating, the wavelength of the UV light 221 may be 310 nm or more (365nm or less).

When generating SO₄ ⁻* radicals from S₂O₈ ²⁻ through irradiation with UVlight 221, a distance L from the surface 20 to be etched of the wafer 10to an upper surface 202 of the etching solution 201 is preferably, forexample, 5 mm or more and 100 mm or less. When the distance L isexcessively short, for example, less than 5 mm, the amount of SO₄ ⁻*radicals generated in the etching solution 201 above the wafer 10 maybecome unstable due to fluctuations in the distance L. Further, when thedistance L is excessively long, for example, over 100 mm, in the etchingsolution 201 above the wafer 10, a large amount of SO₄ ⁻* radicals thatdo not contribute to PEC etching are unnecessarily generated, andtherefore utilization efficiency of the etching solution 201 is reduced.

Note that PEC etching can also be applied to a group III nitride otherthan the exemplified GaN. A group III element contained in the group IIInitride is at least one of aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), and indium (In).The concept of PEC etching applied to an Al component or an In componentin the group III nitride is the same as the concept described for the Gacomponent with reference to (Chemical Formula 1) and (Chemical Formula2), or (Chemical Formula 7). That is, PEC etching can be performed bygenerating holes through irradiation with UV light 221 to generate anoxide of Al or an oxide of In, and by dissolving these oxides in analkali or acid. The wavelength (365 nm or less) of the UV light 221 maybe changed as appropriate depending on the composition of the group IIInitride to be etched. Based on PEC etching of GaN, if Al is contained,UV light having a shorter wavelength may be used, and if In iscontained, UV light having a longer wavelength can also be used.

Next, an experimental example relating to PEC etching of the firstembodiment will be described. In this experimental example, the mask 50and the cathode pad 30 are formed on the surface 20 to be etched of the6 mm-square wafer 10 having the laminated structure described withreference to FIG. 1(b), and how the progression state of PEC etchingchanges was examined by changing the area of the cathode pad 30.

A mixture obtained by mixing a 0.01 M KOH aqueous solution and a 0.05 MK₂S₂O₈ aqueous solution in a ratio of 1:1 was used as the etchingsolution 201. The surface 20 to be etched was irradiated with the UVlight 221 through the etching solution 201. The irradiation wavelengthof the UV light 221 was 260 nm, and the irradiation intensity (I) of theUV light 221 was 4 mW/cm². The distance L (d_(electrolyte)) from thesurface 20 to be etched to the upper surface 202 of the etching solution201 was 5 mm.

FIGS. 4(a) to 4(e) are respectively photographs showing the masks 50 andthe patterns of the cathode pads 30 that are formed on the first tofifth treatment objects (also referred to as “first to fifth samples”hereinafter) according to these experimental examples. A silicon oxide(SiO₂) was used to form the masks 50 having opening regions with thesame shape on the first to fifth samples. The regions where the masks 50are formed are indicated as dark regions in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(e).

In FIGS. 4(a) to 4(e), a light region indicates the opening region inthe mask 50, that is, the region 21 to be etched. However, a portionindicated as “Ti” indicates the cathode pad 30 made of Ti in the lightregion in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(e). The area of the portion indicated as “Ti”,that is, the area of the cathode pad 30, increases in size in the orderof the first to fifth samples. In FIGS. 4(a) to 4(e), a numerical valueshown at the top indicates a ratio (also referred to as a “cathoderatio”) of the area of the upper surface of the cathode pad 30 to thetotal area (36 mm²) of the 6-mm square surface 20 to be etched. Thecathode ratios of the first to fifth samples are respectively 0.0056(0.6%), 0.011 (1.1%), 0.022 (2.2%), 0.044 (4.4%), and 0.078 (7.8%).

FIG. 4(f) is a photograph showing the pattern of the mask 50 of thesixth treatment object (also referred to as the “sixth sample”hereinafter). With the sixth sample, Ti was used to form the mask 50having an opening region with the same shape as the first to fifthsamples. Also, the cathode pad 30 was not formed on the sixth sample.Although the sixth sample does not have the cathode pad 30, the mask 50is made of Ti and functions as the cathode region 40, and thus the sixthsample corresponds to a case where the area of the cathode pad 30 isincreased to the utmost limit in the mask 50 having the opening regionhaving the same shape as the first to the fifth samples. The cathoderatio of the sixth sample corresponds to 0.504 (50.4%).

FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are graphs illustrating the results of theseexperimental examples. FIG. 5(a) shows the dependence of the etchingdepth on the etching time of the first to sixth samples. FIG. 5(b) showsthe dependence of the etching rate on the cathode area (a value obtainedby converting the cathode ratio into the area) of the first to sixthsamples. The etching rate refers to an average rate over an etching timeof 120 minutes.

Based on FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), it can be seen that the etching depth perunit time, that is, the etching rate, can be improved by forming thecathode pad 30. Also, the etching rate can be improved by increasing thecathode ratio (increasing the cathode area).

The criteria for the preferable size of the cathode pad 30 may be asfollows, for example. The cathode ratio, that is, the ratio of thecathode area (the area where the cathode pad 30 is in contact with theetching solution 201) to the total area of the surface 20 to be etchedis preferably 1% or more, more preferably 2% or more, even morepreferably 4% or more, and still more preferably 8% or more.

The criteria for the preferable size of the cathode pad 30 may be asfollows, for example. The cathode area (the area where the cathode pad30 is in contact with the etching solution 201) is preferably largerthan the area of the cathode region 40 obtained when the cathode pad 30is not provided, that is, the total area of the side surfaces (theconductive portions) of the epitaxial layer 12.

Second Embodiment

Next, a structure manufacturing method according to a second embodimentwill be described. In the second embodiment, a high-electron-mobilitytransistor (HEMT) is exemplified as a structure 150 to be manufactured.

FIG. 6(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structure 150(also referred to as “HEMT 150” hereinafter) according to the secondembodiment. FIG. 6(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing thewafer 10 used as the material of the HEMT 150.

A semi-insulating SiC substrate is used as the substrate 11, forexample. The epitaxial layer 12 used has a laminated structure of anucleation layer 12 a comprising aluminum nitride (AlN), a channel layer12 b comprising GaN and having a thickness of 1.2 μm, a barrier layer 12c comprising aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) and having a thickness of24 nm, and a cap layer 12 d comprising GaN and having a thickness of 5nm, for example. Two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG), which serves asthe channel of the HEMT 150, is generated in the laminated portion ofthe channel layer 12 b and the barrier layer 12 c.

A source electrode 151, a gate electrode 152, and a drain electrode 153of the HEMT 150 are formed on the upper surface of the cap layer 12 d. Aprotective film 154 is formed so as to have an opening at the uppersurfaces of the source electrode 151, the gate electrode 152, and thedrain electrode 153.

The HEMT 150 has a device separation groove 160 for separating adjacentdevices from each other. The device separation groove 160 is providedsuch that the bottom surface thereof is disposed at a position lowerthan the upper surface of the channel layer 12 b, that is, 2DEG isseparated by the device separation groove 160 between adjacent devices.

In this embodiment, a mode in which the device separation groove 160 inthe HEMT 150 is formed through PEC etching is described as an example.FIG. 7(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the treatmentobject 100 when performing PEC etching for forming the device separationgroove 160. FIG. 7(b) is a schematic plan view of the treatment object100. FIG. 7 (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a PEC etchingapparatus 200 illustrating the PEC etching step.

The treatment object 100 in this example has a structure in which themask 50 for PEC etching is formed on a member in which the sourceelectrode 151 and the drain electrode 153 are formed on the wafer 10.The source electrode 151 and the drain electrode 153 are used as thecathode pads 30. The cathode pads 30 (the source electrode 151 and thedrain electrode 153) are formed of Ti/Al/Au in which aluminum (Al) islaminated on Ti and Au is laminated on Al, for example.

The mask 50 is formed on the surface 20 to be etched, which is the uppersurface of the cap layer 12 d, and has an opening where the region 21 tobe etched is exposed, and has openings where the upper surfaces of thecathode pads 30 (the source electrode 151 and the drain electrode 153)are exposed. The region 21 to be etched is a region where the deviceseparation groove 160 is to be formed, and is disposed in a grid patternso as to surround each HEMT device in a plan view, for example.

The mask 50 is formed of a resist, for example. An etching solution thatis acidic (from when etching is started) is preferably used as theetching solution 201. A recessed portion, which is used as the deviceseparation groove 160, is formed of etching the group III nitride thatconstitutes the region 21 to be etched to a position lower than theupper surface of the channel layer 12 b. After this recessed portion(the device separation groove 160) is formed, the mask 50 is removed,the gate electrode 152 is formed, and the protective film 154 is formed.The HEMT 150 is manufactured in this manner.

According to the second embodiment, even if the wafer 10 having asemi-insulating substrate 11 such as a SiC substrate is used and themask 50 made of a non-conductive material such as a resist is used, thedevice separation groove 160 in the HEMT 150 can be easily formedthrough PEC etching.

Third Embodiment

Next, a structure manufacturing method according to a third embodimentwill be described. An arrangement mode of the cathode pads 30, which ispreferable for enhancing the controllability of the shape of therecessed portion formed through PEC etching, will be described in thethird embodiment.

As described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, even ifa mask 50 made of a non-conductive material (also referred to as a“non-conductive mask 50” hereinafter) is used, PEC etching can befavorably advanced as a result of providing the cathode pads 30.

From the viewpoint of facilitating the progression of PEC etching, aportion of the edge of the mask that defines the region 21 to be etchedmay be constituted by the edge of a cathode pad 30. However, as will bedescribed later, according to the findings obtained by the inventors ofthis application, from the viewpoint of increasing the controllabilityof the shape of the recessed portion formed through PEC etching, theentire edge of the mask that defines the region 21 to be etched ispreferably constituted by the edge of the non-conductive mask 50 withoutincluding the edge of the cathode pads 30.

Such a configuration can be obtained by disposing the cathode pads 30 onthe inner side of the non-conductive mask 50 (on the opposite side tothe region 21 to be etched) in a plan view, for example, that is, bydisposing the cathode pads 30 such that the entire peripheries of thecathode pads 30 are surrounded by the non-conductive mask 50 (see FIG.7(b), for example).

FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) are respectively a schematic cross-sectional viewand a plan view showing a mode in which a cathode pad 30 is disposedsuch that an edge 35 of the cathode pad 30 is an edge 85 of a mask 80that defines the region 21 to be etched (diagrams showing portions wherethe edge 85 of the mask 80 is constituted by the edge 35 of the cathodepad 30).

Because the progression of PEC etching is facilitated by using thecathode pad 30, a recessed portion 22 can be formed in the region 21 tobe etched. The edge of the recessed portion 22 is ideally formed alongthe edge 85 of the mask 80, that is, the edge 35 of the cathode pad 30(an edge 23 a of the recessed portion 22 in the ideal case is indicatedby a broken line). However, it was found that, practically, the edge 23of the recessed portion 22 was formed through PEC etching of thisembodiment at a position outside of and separated from the edge 35 ofthe cathode pad 30 (on the region 21 to be etched side) in an unevenshape in which the distance from the edge 35 is not constant. It ispresumed that the reason for this is that a depletion layer is formed onthe surface 20 to be etched in the vicinity of the cathode pad 30 due tothe cathode pad 30 being conductive.

FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) are respectively a schematic cross-sectional viewand a plan view illustrating a mode in which the non-conductive mask 50and the cathode pad 30 are disposed such that the edge 55 of thenon-conductive mask 50 serves as the edge 85 of the mask 80 that definesthe region 21 to be etched. In this example, the cathode pad 30 isdisposed on the inner side of the non-conductive mask 50 (on theopposite side to the region 21 to be etched).

The (shortest) distance (referred to as the “offset distance”hereinafter) between the edge 85 of the mask 80, that is, the edge 55 ofthe non-conductive mask 50, and the edge 35 of the cathode pad 30 isregarded as D_(OFF). The inventors of this application found that byextending the offset distance D_(OFF) to some extent or more, it ispossible to suppress the influence of the depletion layer resulting fromthe cathode pad 30, and to form the edge 23 of the recessed portion 22along the edge 85 of the mask 80 (the edge 55 of the non-conductive mask50). The offset distance D_(OFF) is preferably 5 μm or more, and morepreferably 10 μm or more. The upper limit of the offset distance D_(OFF)is not particularly limited.

As a result of the edge 85 of the mask 80 that defines the region 21 tobe etched being constituted by the edge 55 of the non-conductive mask 50in this manner, it is possible to increase the controllability of theshape of the edge 23 of the recessed portion 22 formed through PECetching.

Note that, although the cathode pad 30 is disposed inside the edge thathas a closed shape of the non-conductive mask 50 that defines the region21 to be etched in the arrangement mode shown in FIG. 7(b) as anexample, an arrangement mode may be adopted in which the cathode pad 30is disposed outside the edge as needed (according to the structure of adevice to be produced, or the like) (e.g., see FIG. 15(a), which will bedescribed later). In such a mode, it is possible to easily secure a longoffset distance D_(OFF) from the edge of the non-conductive mask 50defining the region 21 to be etched to the cathode pad 30.

Hereinafter, a result of an experimental example according to the thirdembodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a photograph illustrating aresult of PEC etching in which the Ti mask is used. In a rectangularregion shown in the photograph, light regions in the upper and rightside portions indicate the Ti mask. A slightly dark region on the outerside (on the lower or left side) of the Ti mask indicates the region 21to be etched that is defined by the Ti mask. The edge 23 of the recessedportion 22 formed that has an uneven shape is observed in the region 21to be etched.

FIG. 15(a) is a photograph showing the treatment object 100 providedwith the non-conductive mask 50 and the cathode pads 30. The cathodepads 30 are indicated by light regions, and the non-conductive mask 50is indicated by a region darker than the cathode pads 30. The region tobe etched is defined by the non-conductive mask 50, and is indicated asa (linear) region that is darker than the non-conductive mask 50. Theexperimental conditions in the experimental example, which will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 15(a) to 15(c), are the same as theexperimental conditions (the irradiation wavelength, the irradiationintensity, and the distance L) in the experimental example, which weredescribed with reference to FIGS. 4(a) to 4(f) in the first embodiment,except that a K₂S₂O₈ aqueous solution was used as the etching solution.The non-conductive mask 50 was made of SiO₂, and the cathode pad 30 wasmade of Ti.

FIGS. 15(b) and 15(c) are enlarged photographs of a portion of a regionindicated by the upper right circle in FIG. 15(a). A rectangular regionwith rounded corners 21 to be etched is defined by the non-conductivemask 50 in this circle. FIGS. 15(b) and 15(c) show an upper right cornerportion of the region 21 to be etched. FIG. 15(b) is a photographobtained before PEC etching, and FIG. 15(c) is a photograph obtainedafter PEC etching. As shown in FIG. 15(b), the width of a portion of theregion 21 to be etched that extends in the left-right direction of thepaper plane is 76 μm, and the width of a portion of the region 21 to beetched that extends in the up-down direction of the paper plane is 45μm.

The edge of the mask that defines the region 21 to be etched isconstituted by the edge of the non-conductive mask 50 without includingthe edge of the cathode pads 30. That is, the cathode pad 30 is notdisposed at a position where it defines the region 21 to be etched.Also, the edge of the non-conductive mask 50 that defines the region 21to be etched is sufficiently separated from the cathode pad 30 (morethan 5 μm or more than 10 μm) (see FIG. 15(a)).

As can be seen from a comparison between FIGS. 15(b) and 15(c), in thisexperimental example, the recessed portion 22 is formed so as tosubstantially coincide with the shape of the opening in thenon-conductive mask 50, and the edge 23 of the recessed portion 22 canbe formed along the edge of the non-conductive mask 50. As a result ofthe edge that defines the region 21 to be etched being constituted bythe edge of the non-conductive mask 50 without including the edge of thecathode pads 30, it is possible to perform PEC etching with improvedcontrollability of the shape of the recessed portion 22.

Other Embodiments

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have beenspecifically described. However, the present invention is not limited tothe above-described embodiments, and various modifications,improvements, combinations, and the like can be made without departingfrom the gist thereof.

The shape, size, arrangement, number, and the like of cathode pads 30may be adjusted in various manners as needed, for example.

FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are schematic plan views of the treatment object 100illustrating an example in which the cathode pad 30 is disposed alongthe outer periphery of the wafer 10. The edge of the wafer 10 isindicated by a thick line.

In general, devices are not often formed on the outer peripheral portionof the wafer 10. Thus, by disposing the cathode pad 30 utilizing theouter peripheral portion of the wafer 10, a large region inside thewafer 10 can be easily used to form devices. Also, by disposing thecathode pad 30 along the outer peripheral portion of the wafer 10, along cathode pad 30 can be easily formed, that is, a large cathode pad30 can be easily formed.

FIG. 8(a) shows an example in which the cathode pad 30 is disposed alongthe outer periphery of the wafer 10 on the inner side of the wafer 10 ina plan view. FIG. 8(b) shows an example in which the cathode pad 30 isdisposed along the outer periphery of the wafer 10 so as to extend tothe outside of the wafer 10 (so as to protrude in the form of an eave)in a plan view. As illustrated in the example shown in FIG. 8(b), bydisposing the cathode pad 30 so as to extend to the outside of the wafer10, it is possible to increase the area where the cathode pad 30 comesinto contact with the etching solution 201, and thus to provide a largercathode region 40. Such a structure is formed by adhering (orcontacting) the cathode pad 30, which was prepared as a separate body,to the wafer 10, for example.

Although the case where the substrate 11 of the wafer 10 is asemi-insulating substrate has been described as an example in theabove-described first and second embodiments, the substrate 11 may beconductive. That is, if the substrate 11 is conductive, the cathode pad30 may be provided. If the substrate 11 is conductive, the cathode pad30 can be provided at any position on the surface of the substrate 11.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view conceptually illustrating amode in which the cathode pad 30 is provided on the wafer 10 having theconductive substrate 11. If the substrate 11 is conductive, not only canthe cathode pad 30 be disposed on the upper surface of the wafer 10(i.e., on the surface 20 to be etched), the cathode pad 30 can also bedisposed on a side surface (of the substrate 11) of the wafer 10, andthe cathode pad 30 can also be disposed on the bottom surface (of thesubstrate 11) of the wafer 10. Note that because the substrate 11 aloneis conductive in such a case, a mode is conceivable in which thesubstrate 11 from which the epitaxial layer 12 is omitted is used as thewafer 10, and the cathode pad 30 is disposed on the upper surface (ofthe substrate 11) of the wafer 10. Where on the surface of theconductive substrate 11 the cathode pad 30 is to be disposed may beselected as appropriate and as needed.

With regard to the etching solution 201, it is possible to use only theaqueous solution of K₂S₂O₈ as the etching solution 201 that is acidicwhen etching is started, for example. In this case, it is sufficientthat the concentration of the K₂S₂O₈ aqueous solution is set to 0.025 M,for example.

Furthermore, although a mode in which S₂O₈ ²⁻ is obtained from potassiumpersulfate (K₂S₂O₈) has been described above, a configuration may beadopted in which S₂O₈ ²⁻ is obtained from another compound such assodium persulfate (Na₂S₂O₈) or ammonium peroxodisulfate (ammoniumpersulfate, (NH₄)₂S₂O₈).

The etching solution 201 may be kept stationary or kept flowing (moving)during PEC etching. When the etching solution 201 is kept flowing, thesame etching solution 201 may be circulated (the etching solution 201 isnot replaced), or a new etching solution 201 may be continuouslysupplied (the etching solution 201 is replaced).

Preferable Aspect of the Present Invention

Hereinafter, preferable aspects of the present invention will besupplementarily described.

(Supplementary Description 1)

There is provided a structure manufacturing method, including:

preparing a treatment object that includes an etching target having asurface to be etched comprising a conductive group III nitride and aregion to be etched located on the surface to be etched, and aconductive member that is provided so as to be in contact with at leasta portion of a surface of a conductive region of the etching target thatis electrically connected to the region to be etched; and

etching the group III nitride that constitutes the region to be etchedby immersing the treatment object in an alkaline or acidic etchingsolution containing an oxidizing agent that accepts electrons, andirradiating the surface to be etched with UV light through the etchingsolution in a state where the region to be etched and the conductivemember are in contact with the etching solution,

wherein an edge that defines the region to be etched is not constitutedby an edge of the conductive member alone (the conductive member is notdisposed at a position where it defines the region to be etched).

(Supplementary Description 2)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to thesupplementary description 1,

wherein the treatment object includes

a mask formed on the surface to be etched and comprising anon-conductive material, and

the edge that defines the region to be etched is configured so as toinclude an edge of the mask (the mask is disposed at the position whereit defines the region to be etched).

(Supplementary Description 3)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to thesupplementary description 2, wherein the mask is formed of a resist, andthe etching solution is acidic.

(Supplementary Description 4)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to anyone of the supplementary descriptions 1 to 3, wherein the etchingsolution is acidic.

(Supplementary Description 5)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to anyone of the supplementary descriptions 1 to 4,

wherein the group III nitride undergoes etching in a state where anupper surface of a portion of the conductive member that is provided onthe surface to be etched is in contact with the etching solution.

(Supplementary Description 6)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to anyone of the supplementary descriptions 1 to 5,

wherein the etching target is used as a material of ahigh-electron-mobility transistor, and

the conductive member is used as an electrode of thehigh-electron-mobility transistor.

(Supplementary Description 7)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to thesupplementary description 6,

wherein a recessed portion formed by etching the region to be etched isused as a device separation groove in the high-electron-mobilitytransistor.

(Supplementary Description 8)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to anyone of the supplementary descriptions 1 to 7,

wherein the conductive member is disposed along an outer periphery ofthe etching target in a plan view.

(Supplementary Description 9)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to anyone of the supplementary descriptions 1 to 8,

wherein the conductive member is disposed so as to extend to the outsideof the etching target in a plan view.

(Supplementary Description 10)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to anyone of the supplementary descriptions 1 to 9,

wherein the etching target includes a semi-insulating substrate.

(Supplementary Description 11)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to thesupplementary description 10,

wherein the conductive member is provided on a group III nitride layerformed on the semi-insulating substrate.

(Supplementary Description 12)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to thesupplementary description 11,

wherein the area where the conductive member comes into contact with theetching solution is preferably 1% or more, more preferably 2% or more,even more preferably 4% or more, and still more preferably 8% or more ofthe total area of the surface to be etched that serves as an uppersurface of the group III nitride layer.

(Supplementary Description 13)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to thesupplementary description 11 or 12,

wherein the area where the conductive member comes into contact with theetching solution is larger than the total area of a side surface of thegroup III nitride layer.

(Supplementary Description 14)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to anyone of the supplementary descriptions 1 to 9,

wherein the etching target includes a conductive substrate.

(Supplementary Description 15)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to thesupplementary description 14,

wherein the conductive member is disposed on a surface of a group IIInitride layer formed on the conductive substrate.

(Supplementary Description 16)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to thesupplementary description 14 or 15,

wherein the conductive member is disposed on a surface of the conductivesubstrate.

(Supplementary Description 17) There is provided an intermediatestructure including:

an etching target having a surface to be etched comprising a conductivegroup III nitride and a region to be etched located on the surface to beetched; and

a conductive member that is provided so as to be in contact with atleast a portion of a surface of a conductive region of the etchingtarget that is electrically connected to the region to be etched,

wherein the intermediate structure is immersed in an alkaline or acidicetching solution containing an oxidizing agent that accepts electrons,in a state where the region to be etched is in contact with theconductive member, and

an edge that defines the region to be etched is not constituted by anedge of the conductive member alone (the conductive member is notdisposed at a position where it defines the region to be etched).

(Supplementary Description 18)

There is provided the intermediate structure according to thesupplementary description 17, further including

a mask formed on the surface to be etched and comprising anon-conductive material,

wherein the edge that defines the region to be etched is configured soas to include an edge of the mask (the mask is disposed at the positionwhere it defines the region to be etched).

(Supplementary Description 19)

There is provided the intermediate structure according to thesupplementary description 17 or 18, wherein the mask is formed of aresist.

(Supplementary Description 20)

There is provided the intermediate structure according to any one of thesupplementary descriptions 17 to 19,

wherein the etching target is used as a material of thehigh-electron-mobility transistor, and the conductive member is used asan electrode of the high-electron-mobility transistor.

(Supplementary Description 21)

There is provided the intermediate structure according to any one of thesupplementary descriptions 17 to 20,

wherein the conductive member is disposed along an outer periphery ofthe etching target in a plan view.

(Supplementary Description 22)

There is provided the intermediate structure according to thesupplementary description 21,

wherein the conductive member is disposed so as to extend to the outsideof the etching target in a plan view.

(Supplementary Description 23)

There is provided the intermediate structure according to any one of thesupplementary descriptions 17 to 22,

wherein the etching target includes a semi-insulating substrate.

(Supplementary Description 24)

There is provided the intermediate structure according to any one of thesupplementary descriptions 17 to 22,

wherein the etching target includes a conductive substrate.

(Supplementary Description 25)

There is provided the intermediate structure according to thesupplementary description 24,

wherein the conductive member is disposed on a surface of the conductivesubstrate.

(Supplementary Description 26)

There is provided the intermediate structure according to any one of thesupplementary description 17 to 25,

wherein the surface to be etched is irradiated with UV light through theetching solution.

(Supplementary Description 27)

There is provided a method for processing a group III nitride crystal,

in which electrochemical etching is performed in a state where a crystalcomprising a group III nitride is immersed in an etching solution, themethod including:

defining a region to be etched and a region other than the region to beetched on a surface of the group III nitride; and

etching the group III nitride by irradiating the surface with UV lightthrough the etching solution,

wherein a conductive member configured to function as a cathode foremitting electrons to the etching solution is connected to (is broughtinto contact with) a portion of the region other than the region to beetched.

(Supplementary Description 28)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to thesupplementary description 2,

wherein an edge that defines the region to be etched is constituted byan edge of the mask without including an edge of the conductive member.

(Supplementary Description 29)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to thesupplementary description 28,

wherein the distance between the edge of the mask and the edge of theconductive member is preferably 5 μm or more and more preferably 10 μmor more.

(Supplementary Description 30)

There is provided the structure manufacturing method according to thesupplementary description 28 or 29,

wherein the conductive member is disposed such that the entire peripheryof the conductive member is surrounded by the mask in a plan view.

(Supplementary Description 31)

There is provided the intermediate structure according to thesupplementary description 18,

wherein the edge that defines the region to be etched is constituted bythe edge of the mask without including the edge of the conductivemember.

(Supplementary Description 32)

There is provided the intermediate structure according to thesupplementary description 31,

wherein the distance between the edge of the mask and the edge of theconductive member is preferably 5 μm or more and more preferably 10 μmor more.

(Supplementary Description 33)

There is provided the intermediate structure according to thesupplementary description 31 or 32,

wherein the conductive member is disposed such that the entire peripheryof the conductive member is surrounded by the mask in a plan view.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   10 Etching target    -   20 Surface to be etched    -   21 Region to be etched    -   30 Cathode pad    -   50 Mask    -   100 Treatment object    -   150 Structure    -   200 PEC etching apparatus    -   201 Etching solution    -   202 Upper surface of etching solution    -   210 Container    -   220 Light source    -   221 UV light

The invention claimed is:
 1. A structure manufacturing methodcomprising: preparing a treatment object that includes an etching targethaving a surface to be etched comprising a conductive group III nitrideand a region to be etched located on the surface to be etched, aconductive member that is provided so as to be in contact with at leasta portion of a surface of a conductive region of the etching target thatis electrically connected to the region to be etched, and a mask formedon the surface to be etched and comprising a non-conductive material;and etching the group III nitride that constitutes the region to beetched by immersing the treatment object in an alkaline or acidicetching solution containing peroxodisulfate ions as an oxidizing agentthat accepts electrons, and irradiating the surface to be etched withlight through the etching solution in a state where the region to beetched and the conductive member are in contact with the etchingsolution, wherein an edge that defines the region to be etched isconstituted by an edge of the mask without including an edge of theconductive member.
 2. The structure manufacturing method according toclaim 1, wherein the distance between the edge of the mask that definesthe region to be etched and the edge of the conductive member is 5 μm ormore.
 3. The structure manufacturing method according to claim 1,wherein, in the etching of the group III nitride that constitutes theregion to be etched, the etching is performed such that an edge of arecessed portion is formed through the etching along the edge thatdefines the region to be etched.
 4. The structure manufacturing methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the mask is formed of a resist, and theetching solution is acidic.
 5. The structure manufacturing methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the group III nitride undergoes etching ina state where an upper surface of a portion of the conductive memberthat is provided on the surface to be etched is in contact with theetching solution.
 6. The structure manufacturing method according toclaim 1, wherein the etching target is used as a material of ahigh-electron-mobility transistor, and the conductive member is used asan electrode of the high-electron-mobility transistor.
 7. The structuremanufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein a recessed portionformed by etching the region to be etched is used as a device separationgroove in the high-electron-mobility transistor.
 8. The structuremanufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the conductive memberis disposed along an outer periphery of the etching target in a planview.
 9. The structure manufacturing method according to claim 1,wherein the etching target includes a semi-insulating substrate.
 10. Thestructure manufacturing method according to claim 9, wherein theconductive member is provided on a group III nitride layer formed on thesemi-insulating substrate.
 11. The structure manufacturing methodaccording to claim 10, wherein the area where the conductive membercomes into contact with the etching solution is 1% or more of the totalarea of the surface to be etched that serves as an upper surface of thegroup III nitride layer.
 12. The structure manufacturing methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the etching target includes a conductivesubstrate.
 13. The structure manufacturing method according to claim 12,wherein the conductive member is disposed on a surface of the conductivesubstrate.
 14. An intermediate structure comprising: an etching targethaving a surface to be etched comprising a conductive group III nitrideand a region to be etched located on the surface to be etched; aconductive member that is provided so as to be in contact with at leasta portion of a surface of a conductive region of the etching target thatis electrically connected to the region to be etched; and a mask formedon the surface to be etched and comprising a non-conductive material,wherein the intermediate structure is immersed in an alkaline or acidicetching solution containing peroxodisulfate ions as an oxidizing agentthat accepts electrons, in a state where the region to be etched is incontact with the conductive member, and an edge that defines the regionto be etched is constituted by an edge of the mask without including anedge of the conductive member.
 15. The intermediate structure accordingto claim 14, wherein the distance between the edge of the mask thatdefines the region to be etched and the edge of the conductive member is5 μm or more.
 16. The intermediate structure according to claim 14,wherein the mask is formed of a resist.
 17. The intermediate structureaccording to claim 14, wherein the etching target is used as a materialof a high-electron-mobility transistor, and the conductive member isused as an electrode of the high-electron-mobility transistor.
 18. Theintermediate structure according to claim 14, wherein the conductivemember is disposed along an outer periphery of the etching target in aplan view.
 19. The intermediate structure according to claim 14, whereinthe etching target includes a semi-insulating substrate.
 20. Theintermediate structure according to claim 14, wherein the etching targetincludes a conductive substrate.
 21. The intermediate structureaccording to claim 20, wherein the conductive member is disposed on asurface of the conductive substrate.
 22. A structure manufacturingmethod comprising: preparing a treatment object that includes an etchingtarget having a surface to be etched comprising a conductive group IIInitride and a region to be etched located on the surface to be etched,and a conductive member that is provided so as to be in contact with atleast a portion of a surface of a conductive region of the etchingtarget that is electrically connected to the region to be etched; andetching the group III nitride that constitutes the region to be etchedby immersing the treatment object in an alkaline or acidic etchingsolution containing an oxidizing agent that accepts electrons, andirradiating the surface to be etched with light through the etchingsolution in a state where the region to be etched and the conductivemember are in contact with the etching solution, wherein an edge thatdefines the region to be etched is not constituted by an edge of theconductive member alone, and the conductive member is disposed along anouter periphery of the etching target in a plan view.
 23. Anintermediate structure comprising: an etching target having a surface tobe etched comprising a conductive group III nitride and a region to beetched located on the surface to be etched; and a conductive member thatis provided so as to be in contact with at least a portion of a surfaceof a conductive region of the etching target that is electricallyconnected to the region to be etched, wherein the intermediate structureis immersed in an alkaline or acidic etching solution containing anoxidizing agent that accepts electrons, in a state where the region tobe etched is in contact with the conductive member, an edge that definesthe region to be etched is not constituted by an edge of the conductivemember alone, and the conductive member is disposed along an outerperiphery of the etching target in a plan view.